CAMPAIGNERS have lost their fight to save five libraries after councillors tonight rubber stamped the closures.

But following an emotionally-charged meeting of the full council, they have refused to concede defeat and vowed to continue the fight.

Astley Bridge, Oxford Grove, Highfield, Castle Hill and Heaton libraries will have to close their doors to the public next year, although Heaton will remain open as a community building.

They will start shutting from April, 2012.

Cllr David Greenhalgh said the process had been ‘too hasty’ and had asked for it to be looked at again.

But his arguments were dismissed and the decision was passed to help the council save £400,000 over the next two years. Neighbourhood collections will replace the libraries.

Leader of the council Cllr Cliff Morris said: "This council looks after vulnerable children, vulnerable adults that means targeting resources in deprived areas. If we did it in haste they would be done now and closed by now."

Ian McHugh, secretary of Save Bolton Libraries Campaign, said: “Our campaign has resolved to continue our determined opposition to library closures in Bolton.

“Closing libraries in the heart of our communities is the wrong choice.”

The campaigners are closely following a similar decision to close six libraries in Brent, north west London. Campaigners there last week failed in a High Court bid for a judicial review of that decision. But earlier today Lord Justice Elias opened the way for an appeal hearing.